Alpha 12 Experimental - Phase 5

[h3]Hi Galactic Survivalists![/h3]
The public release of Alpha 12 is coming closer. For those that asked: Expect it to happen around mid of june! No liability assumed, of course :D

That being said, Experimental Phase 5 is adding one of the last features, related to the new galaxy: the Station Services.

Station Services will allow you to refill fuel and pentaxid, restock your ammo, repair your vessel or fast-charge your shields in exchange for credits. For testing how this will work, visit the Polaris Trading Station on the Temperate starter planet. When in range, open the Control Panel (P) and find the new tab ‘Station Services’.

Keep in mind this is a new feature addition. The pricing will change. We also plan to add the Station Services to more planetary and orbital structures until the next phase.

For now, let us know what you think: https://empyriononline.com/threads/a12-exp-station-services.93655/ :)

We have of course also worked on the galaxy, the stars, nebula - which are now part of the orbital skybox as well! - and bugfixes. ;)

Please find the full changelog added below.

As usual:
[list]
[*] Report bugs and issues right over [url=https://empyriononline.com/forums/bugs.34/]here[/url]
[*] Any bug fixed for A12 can be found [url=https://empyriononline.com/forums/tracking-filed.91/]here[/url]
[*] Known Issues [url=https://empyriononline.com/threads/...own-issues-troubleshooting.47118/#post-290341]List[/url]
[*] Fixed Experimental version bugs can be found [url=https://empyriononline.com/forums/fixed.90/]here[/url]
[/list]

While the Experimental phases last, we will continue to update [url=https://empyriononline.com/threads/alpha-12-experimental-updates-and-hotfixes.92687/]this post[/url] with the latest Experimental version changelogs for hotfixes and intermediate bugfix patches.

For discussing the new and updated features, please head over to the pinned threads in our [url=https://empyriononline.com/forums/experimental-features-discussion.35/]Experimental Feedback forum[/url]

Have fun! :)

== CHANGELOG ==

New Feature 'STATION SERVICES'

When in range of a station (300m) which has the station services enabled, open the control panel of your vessel (P) and find the new tab 'Station Services'. You can buy and refill fuel, ammo and pentaxid, as well as repair your ship (repair-2-template!) and quick-load your shield - in case you have the required credits. The availability of station services (and which services are offered) can be set individually for an orbital or planetary POI in the playfield_static.yaml PROPERTIES entry. The pricing is taken from a new parameter, set in the ItemsConfig.ecf. This base pricing can then be further modified by factors in the playfield_static.yaml file.

The station services can be tested at the Polaris Trading Station on the Temperate starter planet. You can also find a setup example in its playfield file!

GALAXY
[list]
[*] Now supporting 20 starter planets (old: 10)
[*] Space: fading out now nebulas if they are farther away than 50 LY until they fully disappear in 250 LY distance
[*] Galaxy nebulas: changed from single billboard to 'billboard cloud' to allow star systems to be within a nebula and show it 'around' the star system playfields. More to come!
[*] Moved Legacy NPC territory closer to galaxy ( should now be in range of the warpdrive )
[*] Space and distant stars: adjusted brightness and color (less bright and less saturated)
[/list]

Alpha 12 Experimental - Phase 4.1 Update

[..GEEK-106C7D5...]

[h3]Hi Galactic Survivalists![/h3]
Although phase 4 was released just a few days ago, we have worked on some important bugfixes which we do not want to delay any longer.

That being said, this is not only a bugfix update or a hotfix to phase 4, but also adds several new elements in terms of gameplay and visuals for you to test as well! Some of these are currently work-in-progress, but - as always - require your dedicated feedback to improve them up to the next phase-release. :)

Please find the full changelog added below.

As usual:
[list][*] Report bugs and issues [url=https://empyriononline.com/forums/bugs.34/]here[/url]
[*] Any bug fixed for A12 can be found [url=https://empyriononline.com/forums/tracking-filed.91/]here[/url]
[*] Check known Issues List [url=https://empyriononline.com/threads/...own-issues-troubleshooting.47118/#post-290341]here[/url]
[*] Fixed Experimental version bugs can be found [url=https://empyriononline.com/forums/fixed.90/]here[/url]
[/list]

While the Experimental phases last, we will continue to update [url=https://empyriononline.com/threads/alpha-12-experimental-updates-and-hotfixes.92687/]this post[/url] with the latest Experimental version changelogs for hotfixes and intermediate bugfix patches.

For discussing the new and updated features, please head over to the pinned threads in our [url=https://empyriononline.com/forums/experimental-features-discussion.35/]Experimental Feedback forum[/url].

Have fun! :)

[h3]= CHANGELOG =[/h3]
Gameworld
[list]
[*] Space: now using real stars and nebulas instead of skybox images. (only for games started with 12.4.1; For old scenarios: remove the Nebula/Stars property from playfield.yaml )
[*] Space: POIs now will be placed within a max radius of 15000m around the center of the playfield (only for games startet with 12.4.1)
[*] Galaxy Map: coordinates are now displayed as LY instead as sector coordinates
[/list]
Story and POI
[list]
[*] Added story intro mission: Starting The Journey (auto-activates on completion or decline of Tutorial BUT can also be activated manually!)
[*] Storyline missions now require a RP of 'neutral' (Talon, Polaris); Note: All story missions can be activated manually!
[*] Uncertain Outcome: Improved waypoints to avoid being guided to the wrong POI
[*] Uncertain Outcome: Asteroid Mining Station now has an Admin Core to avoid ruining Polaris RP while fighting with the Zirax
[*] Totally Overpowered: Removed secondary trading station from AridStarter to not confuse the pda mission
[*] Human Remains: Removed creature spawns from UCH Heidelberg position on starter planets ( avoids distraction by being attacked while reading )
[*] Added Defense stations for Traders Guild (thx to sulusdacor)
[*] Added Polaris Gas Refining orbital station (thx to Kaeser; for now added to playfields: Asteroid, Asteroid Few)
[*] Added more VOID and Progenitor Artifacts (thx to Fractalite)
[*] Updated Legacy POI and ships (thx to vermillion)
[*] Updated Legacy Matter Converter (thx to Kaeser)
[/list]
Materials & Crafting
[list]
[*] Added Platinum ( Ore > Bar > Ounce) and Aluminum ( Ore > Powder > Coil); Currently only as collectibles and for trading; not used in crafting yet. Obtainable from planetary deposits and asteroids in certain locations only (Hint: Watch out for Zirax Commanders ;) )
[*] Known issue: Resource icons might not shown on some planet info cards (only number of deposits displayed; Will be fixed in Phase 5)
[*] Added back Iron/Copper/Silicon ore deposits around Tutorial 'Large Wreckage' site to reduce search-frustration at game start (for new players).
[*] Renamed 'Hardened Steel Plates' to 'Sathium Plates' to reflect the changed crafting logic and to reduce confusion (As of Alpha 12, Hardened Steel blocks use Titanium; Combat Steel blocks use Sathium).
[/list]
Registry
[list]
[*] Added a ‘proximity log’ for own structures in the registry (see new button)
[*] Reduced amount of information shown in the Registry.
[*] Explanation: In the old version there was way too much data shown, also it was too expensive on opening (network traffic, etc). This is the first implementation in a try to optimize the data that is shown in the registry (compromise regarding performance and usability).
[/list]

Alpha 12 Experimental - Phase IV

[..GEEK-82E47DB...]

[h3]Hi Galactic Survivalists![/h3]
First of all, thanks a lot for your patience, while he had to delay Phase 4. We have made good use of these additional days and a lot has happened in the code and in the game.

A few highlights:
[list][*] The galaxy is now a lot more configurable. You can now use ‘Regions’ for local hotspots and for the general shape and design (amount and type of stars etc).
[*] We have added the ‘Scoreboard’ to the old player overview (Button: B). You can now see a lot of stats and info in a leaderboard style
[*] The Registry now allows to directly jump to a system with the ‘show on map’ button
[/list]
Please find the full changelog added below.

There is one caveat, though: the flexibility for the galaxy-setup, database changes and other adjustments, now require a new game start. As already announced, old savegames from the previous Experimental phases are no longer compatible anymore.

The good thing: starting a new savegame will allow you to play the updated story missions and explore the reworked POI, as those cannot be updated in existing savegames as well. :)

As usual:
[list][*] Report bugs and issues right over [url=https://empyriononline.com/forums/bugs.34/]here[/url]
[*] Any bug fixed for A12 can be found [url=https://empyriononline.com/forums/tracking-filed.91/]here[/url]
[*] [url=https://empyriononline.com/threads/...own-issues-troubleshooting.47118/#post-290341]Known Issues List[/url]
[*] Fixed Experimental version bugs can be found [url=https://empyriononline.com/forums/fixed.90/]there[/url]
[/list]
While the Experimental phases last, we will continue to update the following post with the latest Experimental version [url=https://empyriononline.com/threads/alpha-12-experimental-updates-and-hotfixes.92687/]changelogs for hotfixes and intermediate patches[/url]

For discussing the new and updated features, please head over to the pinned threads in our [url=https://empyriononline.com/forums/experimental-features-discussion.35/]Experimental Feedback forum[/url]

Have fun with Phase 4 - and tell us what you think about the changes! :)

REGISTRY
[list][*] Registry now remembers last selected entry and selects it again when reopening
[*] Added "Show On Map" for selected stars and solar systems
[*] Showing bookmark icon now always for all bookmarks and not the chosen icon of the bookmark, to easier identify bookmarks in registry
[/list]
POI & BLUEPRINTS
[list][*] In playfield yaml, random POI config: Added "UseEachGroupPoiOnlyOnce" flag to force each POI of a POI group to be spawned only once
[*] POI in orbit are now distributed up to 15.000m from center in each direction (before: 2000)
[*] Manually spawning blueprints: limiting the move down into terrain until the first device
[*] Manually spawning blueprints: added game option 'UndergroundBpSpawn' to override spawn limit (see possible values and default in an gameoptions_example.yaml)
[*] Improved RandomPlacer to overlap less, to better use the allowed distance between POIs (even before one POI fails to be placed)
[*] Updated: Small adjustments to Ancient Revelation Control-Station POI
[*] Updated: Removed cores from orbital CV wreckages
[*] Updated: Reworked Unknown Artifact, Helix, Structure
[*] Updated: Xenu POI groups (standard, advanced and special POI)
[/list]
PDA, DIALOGUE & MISSIONS
[list][*] All Story Missions are playable on all starter planets now
[*] All Story Missions have been updated and improved (sometimes significant changes) for consistency with the game story ( Note: The missions are currently 'free to activate' or will activate automatically in certain conditions. They are not linked in a row, to make testing easier. This will change with the public version!)
[*] PDA window improvements: for each category the last selection (chapter or task) is remembered, if the active chapter is displayed the currently active task is selected
[*] PDA window: Added hint to "Activate" button if disabled because chapter is ChapterActivation controlled
[*] Dialog window: Changed all texts to TextMeshPro, now all features of the Sign blocks can also be used here, e.g. alignment
[*] DialogueSystem: added function GetInstanceTicket()
[*] DialogueSystem: added dbglobal_int
[*] Allow optional scenario Localization.csv (SP and MP!)
[/list]

[h3]== BUGFIXES ==[/h3]
(Experimental 12.4 2913)
[list][*] Fixed: Regeneration of asteroids, POI's etc not working
[*] Fixed: Can’t click "New Game" with some languages
[*] Fixed: Terrain "Walls" appearing in or around structures
[*] Fixed: Planet resource deposits are identifiable with map marker
[*] Fixed: Clone chamber does not appear in the respawn options
[*] Fixed: Autominer cannot be upgrade to T2 and T3 anymore
[*] Fixed: A waypoint that is setup for a planet follows the player when the player enters the planet
[*] Fixed: Unable to warp to a waypoint setup in another star
[*] Fixed: Difference in distance between the warp line & "Lock button" distance
[*] Fixed: Infinite fuel/CP access exploit with faction "none" POIs
[*] Fixed: [MP] Vessels don't load/update in correct position for other clients
[*] Fixed: Waypoints persist after picking up a waypointed terrain placeable
[*] Fixed: Added touchable collider to station console hologlobe element
[*] Fixed: Alien turrets should not attack predator animals (like spiders) any more
[*] Fixed: LY distances between stars, as a result: galaxy radius is now 500 instead of 3000 LY (it was always smaller than 3000LY, the display before was faulty)
[*] Fixed: Wipe command to work also with the new DB
[*] Fixed: Label anchors for player position and other labels
[*] Fixed: Incorrect display of LY label and distance in sector list
[*] Fixed: Solar panel in space not producing energy bug
[*] Fixed: Exception sometimes when opening system mapMode
[*] Fixed: Menu tab not updated to system map when double clicking star to open console Window
[*] Fixed: Missing entry for LY distance
[*] Fixed: Access Constructor step did not work in RP-2 tutorial
[*] Avoiding exception when ticks get out of bounds and opening player window
[*] Fixed: Wrong tooltip for minimap when in various screen aspects
[*] Fixed: Legacy planetary playfield issues
[*] Possible fix for sometimes flickers when switching between system and galaxy maps
[*] Fix for bookmarks in instances not showing up
[*] Fixed missing scrollbars in system description panels
[*] Fixed sorting visited star system list
[*] Registry: fixed problem that two entries for some objects appeared
[*] DB: fix for communication abort when entering a server the very first time and opening the player window
[*] Fixed: Polaris Scout pivot issue[/list]

07/06/2020 10:07:11

Alpha 12 Experimental - Phase III

For all those waiting to get hands on the dedicated server files: With phase 3 we made good progress in terms of performance and functions of the database and in fixing issues related to the server files. That being said, although the changes now have to be tested with your help in the current update, we are quite confident that next week's phase 4 will have the server files included eventually! :)

Please also note, there are a few more adjustments to be made for phase 4, which will result in a savegame break for your current, running savegames - which will also result in a full wipe of our Experimental Server.

Although this might be a bit inconvenient, but as you know: only new games, started with each phase will have all the changes on playfields, POIs and missions - as these game elements, unlike config changes, do not get updated in a running savegame.

[ New mission: Offworld Grave ]

As usual:
[list][*]Report bugs and issues right over here: https://empyriononline.com/forums/bugs.34/
[*]Any bug fixed for A12 can be found here: https://empyriononline.com/forums/tracking-filed.91/
[*]Known Issues List: https://empyriononline.com/threads/...own-issues-troubleshooting.47118/#post-290341
[*]Fixed Experimental version bugs can be found there: https://empyriononline.com/forums/fixed.90/
[/list]
While the Phase 3 lasts, we will continue to update the following post with the latest Experimental version changelogs for hotfixes and intermediate patches: https://empyriononline.com/threads/alpha-12-experimental-updates-and-hotfixes.92687/

For discussing the new and updated features, please head over to the pinned threads in our Experimental Feedback forum: https://empyriononline.com/forums/experimental-features-discussion.35/

GAME WORLD TECH
[list][*] Extended space playfield area also in SP from +/-50k to +/-100k. Only outside this area, the warning message will appear
[*] Supporting "Main" as a faction in playfield yamls to take the faction from the territory ( 'Faction: Main' ). If no territory then this POI will be left out
[/list]BALANCING / CRAFTING
[list][*] Armored Windows S now made from TitanPlates instead of Hardened Steel (Sathium)
[*] Reduced output of Fiber (40>30) and WoodPlanks (60>50)
[*] Fridge (HV and SV) now available in Portable Constructor
[*] Reduced PowerBar Food points to 45
[*] Reduced CPU on Generators ( related to reduced power output and other changed parameters )
[*] Reduced CPU on Harvester (HV)
[*] Ground repulsor engine for HV : torque decrease from 10 -> 5
[*] CV Projectile Turrets can now be crafted in Large Constructor as well
[/list]OTHER
[list][*] Updated Armor Locker model for BA and CV as a preview test
[*] Detectors can now also be fired underwater
[*] Changed submarine-style scanner ping to a more sci-fi variant
[*] Time in character window is now shown in "game time played" and not in "real time" as it was before
[/list]DATABASE & TECH
[list][*] DB: optimized query for getting medic station on player death, added info what BP got spawned
[*] DB: writing now player inventory on every player data save. added possibility to execute multiple update queries with one call
[*] DB: Added deadticks and isdead to Entities
[*] DB: added entity death timestamp, added bool if structure was spawned from BP library
[*] The structure .txt files are not written into the Shared folder any more. Instead of that, we put this information into the DB table StructuresHistory
[*] Relaxed timing for threads
[*] Set Animator component to "AlwaysCull" on a lot of turret/weapon animations to improve performance (a bit)
[*] Optimized Animator component on doors and retractable weapons to not be active when not needed
[*] Stripped down some dedi unity prefabs for better performance of playfield server: CockpitSS04Prefab_dedi, VentilatorEdgeRoundMediumHalfPrefab_dedi, PassengerSeatSVPrefab_dedi, TurretMSCannonRetractPrefab_dedi, TurretMSMinigunPrefab_dedi, WeaponSSMinigunRetractPrefab_dedi, FuelTankSVSmallPrefab_dedi
[*] Optimization from pf server profiling: mapped SphereCast to Raycast for all none player checks for "which structure we are on".
[*] Added automatic VC Redistributable installation to fix missing dll dependencies problems
[/list]MOD API
[list][*] ModApi.IPlayfield: added SolarSystemName and SolarSystemCoordinates
[*] ModApi.IBlock: Implemented Get/SetTextures, added SetTextureForWholeBlock, added equivalent methods for colors
[/list]
[h3]= BUGFIXES =[/h3][list][*] Fixed: Waypoints from space mirroring to the ship on the planet
[*] Fixed: HUD markers do not show the shortest direction on a planet
[*] Fixed: Wrong fps logging of playfield servers
[*] Fixed: NPC dialogue arrow showing too high on HolographicAIConsole
[*] Fixed: NPC dialogue system > fixed bug that when using OptionIf the wrong index was chosen if options were "thinned out"
[*] Fixed: HV > unexpected oscillation with very light HV
[*] Fixed: Polaris floating POIs
[*] Fixed: HV ground repulsor engine switching back on unexpectedly when switched off in control panel bug
[*] Fix for not possible to spawn blueprints in some orbit playfields (2nd try)
[*] Fixed retractable weapons and hangar doors in MP
[*] Fixed: Registry > fixed exception when a bookmark was corrupt
[*] Fixed: Registry > corrected bug that when in faction private stuff was not displayed reliable
[*]Fixed: Player window > fix for "day X" not displaying game time in days correctly (game time is roughly real time * 6)
[*] Fixed: Waypoints from space mirroring to the ship on the planet (fixed special case)
[*] Fixed: Devices morphing onto docked vessels (FIX UPDATED)
[/list]

Have a look at the full changelog over [url=https://empyriononline.com/threads/alpha-12-experimental-phase-i.92660/]here[/url]

Remember: For the first days of the Experimental version, multiplayer games can only be played on our Alpha 12 Experimental server, because we first need to thoroughly test the new database, before we can release the EXP server version. The Singleplayer/Coop client version of the Experimental version are of course available with todays release! Please read the full reasoning over [url=https://empyriononline.com/threads/alpha-12-experimental-info.92617/]here[/url]

As with every major releases, the Experimental version phase will see several stages and last at least a few weeks, until we will release to the 'public' branch eventually. ;)

Please also note:
[list][*] Report bugs and issues right over [url=https://empyriononline.com/forums/bugs.34/]here[/url]
[*] Any bug fixed for A12 can be found [url=https://empyriononline.com/forums/tracking-filed.91/]here[/url]
[*] Known Issues List is [url=https://empyriononline.com/threads/read-before-reporting-bug-report-template-requirements-known-issues-troubleshooting.47118/#post-290341]here[/url]
[/list]
For discussing the new and updated features, please head over to the pinned threads in our [url=https://empyriononline.com/forums/experimental-features-discussion.35/]Experimental Feedback forum[/url]

There, we will also gladly answer your questions and set up help topics as we go.

Alpha 12 Experimental - Info

[h3]Hi Galactic Survivalists![/h3]
Most of you might wonder, when the Alpha 12 Experimental will hit your PC. Good news!

If everything works out as planned, the Experimental phase will start anytime next week!
As always..no liabilities assumed.

[u]There is one thing to know about the upcoming Experimental:[/u]

For Alpha 12 we made a real BIG change in how the game handles data and info by adding a persistent database. This offers a myriad of new possibilities - in fact, it made some of the Alpha 12 features possible in the first place - but this needs to be tested in-depth, especially for Multiplayer.

That’s why this time, in the [u]first week[/u] of the Experimental release, we will only have our own EXP Server as a testing field.

This way, we will be able to grab all the logs directly and track the performance of the database in a live environment with the highest possible load. Again, and to be precise: this is for the initial phase (only!)
We hope everyone planning to set up an own EXP Server will understand this move, as testing the database is crucial for the progress of the game as a whole.

Rest assured the EXP will have a server version released, as soon as the tests are passed and we are confident about the stability of the database.

The Singleplayer version will of course be available from day one, just the dedicated server version will be delayed.

If things go accordingly, this initial phase might only last a few days. A minor period, given the Alpha 12 is a milestone release with an Experimental phase of several weeks, where we will be happy to see a lot of Experimental-version servers out there.

A note for the server owners, as this might not be known a lot: feel free to get in touch with us about any global topics via server@empyriongame.com (Feedback, Ideas etc.. no specific topic ;) )

Hope to see you soon playing the Experimental version! :)
- [i]Empyrion Dev Team[/i]

PS: For all of you interested in an evening talk about Alpha 12 and maybe some gameplay right from the final Experimental pre-release candidate, tune in to our [url=https://empyriononline.com/threads/alpha-12-preview-and-dev-q-a-live.92616/]Dev Q&A[/url], hosted by Spanj

07/06/2020 10:07:11

Alpha 12: Beam me up...!

[..GEEK-E27735F...]

[h3]Welcome back, Galactic Survivalists![/h3]
For today's blog, we would like to give you more insight on a device feature, a lot of you have asked for.

Until now, you could make use of the device in question in NPC stations and some dungeons.
Now, it will be available to you players: Teleporters!

[i](New CV teleporter model)[/i]

The Teleporters will come in two versions:
[list][*] Teleporter for bases. Their range will be 30 LY
[*] Teleporter for capital vessels. They will allow you to teleport within a sector, what means between Planet Orbit, Planet Moon, Orbit Moons etc. No need to EVA over to a space station anymore!
[/list]
There are a few constraints of course.
[list][*] You can NOT teleport to another PLAYER or PLAYER FACTIONS teleporters! You can only use your own teleporters, those of your faction and from NPC factions you are at least in a friendly state.
[*] It is not possible to teleport FROM or teleport TO a CV that is currently MOVING
[*] It is not possible to use a CV or BA teleporter (as outgoing-transport) when
a) shields are active
b) the structure is under fire (cooldown of 20 seconds after last “hit”)
[/list]
Incoming teleports currently can end on devices that are off or behind a shield - of course only if you ‘allowed’ to use the teleporter as a target.

If there is any condition that denies you to use a teleport target, its destination simply will not show in the teleporter target overview.

We hope you will like this little feature improvement.
As usual, feel free to post an questions to the comments. :)

Read you soon,
[i]Empyrion Dev Team[/i]

07/06/2020 10:07:11

Alpha 12 - Wednesday Roundup

[..GEEK-4C0F672...]

[h3]Hello Galactic Survivalists![/h3]
It’s wednesday again! First and foremost: We hope you are all well - and if not, we hope you will get well very soon! And because we got a lot of concerned emails and messages: Everyone in the team is Ok or is already getting better. Thanks a lot for all the wishes. :)

We have been kind of silent the last 2 weeks, simply because a lot of code work had to happen, to flesh out the features.

Today we have a mix of different things that made good progress and got added until recently.
[olist][*]The Empyrion ingame card game?
Our Modelling team has been busy with some new stuff. We added two new devices (we will not disclose just yet. Sorry ;) ) and a few others, like the Zirax CV turrets that are currently in a finishing phase.

A new entry to the blocks and devices are two gambling tables.

What started as an internal use case, just for testing the NPC Dialogue system with a Black Jack script, found some interest in the tester group and the team itself. So we thought: Where Star Trek TNG has had Poker, Star Wars has Sabacc, BSG has Triad Cars .. how would the favored Card-game based amusement of Polaris, Talon, Zirax and other species in Andromeda be named and how would it work?
Any ideas? Let us know your suggestions for a name and a system! We might use it! :)

[*]New playfield types!
While the galaxy has grown the amount of stars to fill with something to explore, we are constantly looking for new playfield types to integrate. While we are happy to review any suggestion you send us via email, we have opened the [url=https://empyriononline.com/forums/custom-playfields-systems.76/]CUSTOM PLAYFIELDS forum[/url] for that purpose.

That being said, reworks of old playfield types and new iterations, are in the works already. A new Ice Moon and a Forest Moon will be part of the mix, soon.

Hint: Alpha 12 will also see the addition of a menacing “Legacy Faction” playfield type, which will reveal a lot of what this faction is up to. Playfield will be revealed in the next weeks. ;)

[*]New models and resources!
In Alpha 12 we will not only have Ice available on Asteroids in space eventually, but we will also add a new resource to the game the first time ever: Titanium

And while we added a forest moon with endless quantities of Plant Fiber, and because the item has become a very popular meme in the current pandemic times, we added Toilet paper (including a slightly updated toilet model) as an item for your very discreete player avatar needs as well. Of course you cannot buy it at a trader. ;)

Feel free to make suggestions which status effect we should allow to be cured with it! (except the obvious ;)

[*]Respawn changes
Alpha 12 will also see some changes in the Respawn mechanic which everyone, who has run into a literal dead end, might like.

First, the survival tent is now a possible respawn option. When you die, you can select the closest survival tent from the respawn menu. So make sure to be prepared.

Second: you will now get a respawn option, even if you have NO home-button checked CV or BA or even a survival tent. You can respawn in a Clone Chamber or Medbay of the CLOSEST BA or CV that belongs to you or your faction, even if these structures have not been set in the HOME checkbox in the Control Panel!

In addition, you get a third way of respawning: When you are at least NEUTRAL with a NPC Faction AND you discovered one of their stations, equipped with either Medbay or Clone Chamber, before, you will get offered the closest of these stations as a respawn option as well!

[*]Registry and Markers
We are currently reworking how the REGISTRY works. Not only because the Registry needed an update to handle the new star systems, but with Alpha 12 it will offer a lot more options and work more like a real Journey-book, where all your discoveries are noted. Not only your own or your faction's stuff, but also terrain placeables like Autominers, ore deposits and a lot more. Filters will help to manage all these entries.

In addition, when setting a Waypoint on one of those entries, those markers are now visible on planets while you are in space - and vice versa!

And: the markers will also work in space as a pre-set warp target. So aim for them, accelerate and warp right away! No need to hammer the Lock-Target Button on the Map anymore.

[/olist]
As a closing comment - and because we got asked this quite a lot: we are currently preparing for the Experimental to start mid of April (if nothing goes wrong). As always: No liability assumed. :D

Watch out for a scheduled live Q&A ahead of the EXP.

Read you soon,
[i]Empyrion Dev Team[/i]

07/06/2020 10:07:11

Alpha 12: The sky is full of giants...

[..GEEK-CF03CD2...]

[h3]Hi Galactic Survivalist![/h3]
We recently completed the technical integration of the gas giants. Similar to the new suns, you cannot land or fly to the gas giant itself, but they will offer more than enough moons for your exploration demands.

Alpha 12: Space Defense NPC Factions

[..GEEK-5C75147...]

[h3]Hi Galactic Survivalists![/h3]
What happens when you attack a POI in space?

The question may sound trivial. You fight, you win or you get defeated. But beyond that point, there is not a lot of interactivity. Small and large space bases alike do not seem to be that important for the NPC factions, otherwise they would defend them better and very likely have a garrison of combat ships or reinforcements, right?

We recently spoke to our Zirax Empire and Polaris consultants, and as especially our always slightly nervous, weapon wielding friends brought up very convincing arguments, we cannot let this be the case any longer.

Reinforcements incoming!

With Alpha 12, when you are on a hostile or unfriendly standing with the owner of the POI in front of your guns, the station commander will call for help when you are coming too close. Depending on the level of the playfield, the NPC faction's vessels will warp in after a while - or sometimes the call will remain unanswered. There are a few variations possible at that point.

You, as a player, will get a note as soon as enemy warp signatures are detected. But remember: the incoming vessels might only be a part of the full fleet coming for you. ;)

As always, the range of reactions, the ships used and other parameters can be defined by creative minds in the FactionWarfare.ecf.

Each of the current and upcoming factions will of course send their very own vessels. The Polaris, Zirax and also the Legacy have gotten a total overhaul of their combat vessels lineup only recently. If you do not yet follow our posts on hat topic, have a look in our [url=https://empyriononline.com/forums/lore-story-and-factions.94/]‘Lore, Story and Factions’[/url] sub forum

You will not only find previews of the new ship types of the different factions, but also background info to the story of the game!

NPC Factions: Call For Papers!

That being said, we also want to add a few new NPC Factions to the upcoming galaxy. As promised, we will eventually open the submission phase for NPC Faction applications!

While you start to think about your NPC factions stories and lore, have a look at the all new Zirax CV turrets (WiP HighRes) you might soon run into. These will replace the generic “Alien turrets” on all Zirax AI Capital Vessels - step by step. :)